Former publisher tries to unseat council incumbent

Nate MonroeStaff Writer

Tuesday

Sep 28, 2010 at 11:10 AMSep 28, 2010 at 7:05 PM

CORRECTEDTHIBODAUX — Both men running for one of Thibodaux's at-large council seats point to their long histories of volunteering and supporting the community as core strengths. Councilman Chad Mire is running for his third term against Gary Palmer, a former newspaper publisher and Civil Service board member, for the District E seat, which represents the entire city. The election is Saturday, where voters will also get a chance to cast ballots in the city's mayoral race, the state's lieutenant governor election and the run-off for the Republican nomination for the 3rd U.S. Congressional District race.Mire, a Democrat, was born in Thibodaux, and graduated from Thibodaux High School and Nicholls State University, where he earned a marketing degree. He was first elected to the city's at-large seat in 2002 after running unsuccessfully for the council in 1998. He is a salesman for Conco Food Service, a statewide commercial food supply company. Palmer, a Republican, moved to Thibodaux in 1977, after attending Northwestern State University to receive a business administration degree. He started at the Daily Comet in 1978 and worked there for 23 years in several capacities, including as publisher. He currently runs Charter Media's sales office in Thibodaux. Mire, 41, is an assistant fire chief in the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department. He has volunteered there in various positions since he was 18. Palmer, 56, has served as chairman of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce and as a chairman on the city's Civil Service Board. Mire argues his experience on the council has given him indispensable working knowledge to respond to the needs of his constituents. “I've become a voice on the council,” he said. “The biggest thing is the experience level, being able to respond to the people's needs.” Palmer argues his business background distinguishes him as a candidate. “I have a varied background that no one else on the council has,” he said. “I want to bring a business sense to the council. Nobody on the council has the background in business and volunteerism that I've done.”Mire and Palmer both say running for office is part of a desire to serve a city they've invested their lives in. “I just thought it's time for me to get involved,” Palmer said. “It's a call to service for a city I love.” Mire said he has enjoyed volunteering and serving the city for nearly two decades. “It's about helping people,” he said. “When people call me with issues, the most enjoyable thing is being able to call them back with answers.”

Both candidates agree one of the most pressing issues facing Thibodaux is the need to update the 30-year-old zoning ordinance. “It's come to the forefront since we approved the latest zoning map,” Mire said. “We really need to get that resolved. We need to get something more up to date.”But Palmer faulted the current council for failing to take meaningful action sooner.“Zoning was an issue when I was chairman of the chamber,” he said. “In an election year, they decided to do a study to tell them they need a comprehensive study of the zoning laws.”Palmer also said the current council has failed to recognize “bigger picture” issues, like building a multi-sports complex and accompanying sports park.“That's a big project,” he said. “I think we need to think big and see what can be accomplished.”Mire also said he wanted to look into the feasibility of building a multi-sports complex, but it will require making the public aware of the costs involved. “The people need to realize they need to pay for it,” he said.

Staff Writer Nate Monroe can be reached at 448-7639 or at nate.monroe@dailycomet.com.

CORRECTION: This article has been edited to reflect the following correction: Mr. Palmer started at the Daily Comet in 1978 and worked in several capacities, including publisher, during his tenure with the paper.

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